Description
AI but it is rare and I cannot find other sources!!!!
This rare dessert wine from M. Chapoutier is a masterclass in concentration and balance. Crafted using the traditional Vin de Paille (straw wine) method, the 1996 Les Coufis de Paille de l’Ardèche is made from 100% Viognier grapes, offering a lush, nectar-like experience that has only improved with three decades of age.
Winemaking & Terroir
- The Method: Grapes are hand-harvested at peak maturity and then carefully dried in crates (rather than on the vine) to concentrate sugars, acids, and flavours.
- Vinification: The juice undergoes a slow, natural fermentation in oak casks that can last several months. It is aged on its lees for roughly 24 months before bottling, resulting in a wine with significant residual sugar balanced by vibrant acidity.
- Terroir: The fruit is sourced from volcanic slopes at the foot of the Coirons Massif on the right bank of the Rhône in Southern Ardèche.
Sensory Profile
- Appearance: A deep, dark straw-yellow that often develops amber or golden-brown hues as it matures.
- Nose: Intense and complex aromas of honey, candied apricot, orange marmalade, and exotic tropical fruits.
- Palate: Incredibly mellow and viscous with a “weighty” mouthfeel. Expect a long, persistent finish dominated by caramel, dried fruit, and a surprising freshness typical of the 1996 vintage.
Serving & Pairing
- Food Match: This wine is often described as a “dessert in itself”. However, it pairs exquisitely with blue cheeses (like Gorgonzola), apricot tarts, crème brûlée, or even savoury dishes like roast chicken with apricot glaze.
- Serving Temperature: Best enjoyed slightly chilled between 10–12°C.
- Ageing Potential: Exceptional longevity; well-stored bottles can continue to evolve for 50+ years.
